Bryan McBournie | Staff Writer

3/01/02

As the federal government goes back to its politics as usual and the collapse of Enron exposes some of the corruption in big business, I've never been more proud to be a moderate. "What's that?" you say. "Moderates can't make up their minds about anything." Not true! In fact, moderates follow their own beliefs, rather than what the party tells them to believe.

I'll admit it, I was a conservative in high school. During class debates, I was part of a minority of students who believed in the Republican ideals. At first, I thought being a Republican was the only thing to do, and liberals were irrational dreamers. By the time my senior year rolled around, I was sick of defending people and issues I didn't agree with. However, I also found that I didn't agree completely with Democrats and their ideals.

It was then I decided choose issues for myself. My primary reasons were that to me Democrats represent big government, Republicans represent big business, and both are trying to restrict my freedom in some way.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a libertarian. I believe in the federal system; I also believe in capitalism. However, I can't agree with the federal government taking away more and more rights from states, nor can I endorse big corporations with their hands in everyone's pockets. I don't agree with gun control, but I'm pro-choice.

Being a moderate doesn't mean just deciding for myself on issues, it's also about believing that while philosophies have their place, neither should dominate.

So in closing, college is known for creating liberals, and taxes are known for creating conservatives. Always filter things out and decide for yourself. If only politics could operate so freely.